The Role of Vitamins and Supplements During Pregnancy

The Role of Vitamins and Supplements During Pregnancy When we think about a pregnant lady consuming Pregnancy vitamin, we usually think of a woman consuming Iron, Folate, and Calcium. However, the nutrient requirements of pregnancy are a lot more complex than that, as the requirement of Multi Micronutrients Also soar during pregnancy. To meet these dynamic nutritional requirements during different trimesters of Pregnancy, the role of Prenatal Vitamins is crucial. Prenatal Multivitamins must include Prenatal Essentials such as Iron, Folate and Calcium, but other important micronutrients such as Iodine, Magnesium, Zinc, and other vitamins and minerals should be supplemented as well. These Multi Micronutrients can help prevent Deficiency Diseases in the mother and the baby, dangerous pregnancy complications such as Pre-Eclampsia & Gestational Diabetes, and foetal complications such as IUGR, ADHD, Low-Birth Weight, and Stillbirth. This makes it important to consume a good prenatal supplement, to safeguard the health of you & your baby.

Prenatal Essentials Prenatal Essentials are must-have prenatal nutrients. These are –  Folic Acid – Folic acid is ideally required to be supplemented before pregnancy as you’re planning for a baby, but it can be included in your prenatal as soon as you get to know about your pregnancy. Folic Acid Supplement is crucial to prevent neural tube defects in the baby.  Iron – Iron is essential for blood supply and to prevent maternal anemia.

Iron Pills tend to cause gastric symptoms in some females, which leads to poor compliance. Time-Release Iron is a better alternative to Iron conventional Iron pills, as it reduces the occurrence of unpleasant Gastric symptoms.  Calcium – Calcium is essential for the bone and teeth formation of the baby, and to prevent maternal osteoporosis.

Apart from these as per the Iron, Folate and Calcium model, the WHO & ICMR recommend the Multi Micronutrient Model. Multi Micronutrients are required in small quantities but are essential in the optimal development of the baby and the health of the mother.

Some essential micronutrients that must be present in your Pregnancy Multivitamin are –

 Iodine – Iodine ensures optimal functioning of the thyroid hormones, making it essential in a pregnancy supplement.  Magnesium – Magnesium prevents leg cramps during pregnancy and reduces the risk of Gestational Hypertension.  Zinc – Zinc helps to improve immunity and reduces the risk of Low-Birth Weight, and Pre-Term Birth.  Vitamin D – Vitamin D improves the bone health.  Vitamin K – Vitamin K supports labour.  Vitamin C- This vitamin improves immunity and accelerates wound healing. Vitamin C also helps in the absorption of Iron and prevent maternal anaemia.  Vitamin B12 – It helps in the formation of baby’s neural tube and works with folate for DNA production. Vitamin B12 also improves the mother’s mood and energy.

Not All Prenatal Vitamins Are the Same Not all pregnancy Multivitamins are the same, so make sure you are thoroughly reading labels & consulting your gynecologist to go with the right prenatal for your pregnancy. Prenatal Multivitamins that have been designed according to the guidelines of WHO & ICMR should be the preferred choice, and the cost of the prenatal vitamins should also be considered. International Prenatal Pills are expensive and are not formulated according to the needs and nutritional requirements of Indian Pregnant ladies, so make sure you are choosing prenatal vitamins that are made for Indian pregnant women. Prenatal Vitamins with Omega 3 are also available, so make sure you are going for those. Prenatal DHA can help improve the brain and spine development of the baby. Gynecologist recommended Prenatal Vitamins Brands must be preferred, as they provide an added assurance to the pregnant lady. Make sure you are consuming a nutrient-dense diet, along with taking your prenatal multivitamins regularly to secure your health, and the future of your baby.